For many of us, we’re on the brink of another full lock down.
It feels like the colder the weather, the longer the days, and the less options we have to keep on pushing through.
Its dark, and finding any hope for anything positive can sometimes be a struggle.
For our Sentinel family, where one door seems to close – even temporarily, we search high and low until we can find that open door.
As we brace ourselves for our adventure on the front lines into health care, we are ready.
We have spent months training and preparing for our new journey and while I’m sure we don’t walk into this without some sense of trepidation, we know that we have all the tools, resources, and supports behind to us to keep us safe and prepared on this new path.
Meanwhile, on a more personal level, our social circles are smaller.
Our personal expeditions and outings are fewer and farther between, and certainly far less glamorous.
We’re abiding by the rules and powers that govern us and do their best to keep us and our families safe.
While we may not always like it, we have to know that in the middle of all of this darkness, and the seemingly never ending wait – there is a light at the end of this tunnel.
And as we prepare for the worst and the potential of facing Christmas in lockdown, it can be hard to fathom homes not filled to the brim with family or Christmas trees bursting with gifts. It can be sad to think that our tables may not be overflowing with food and restaurants and event spaces not jammed pack with people celebrating what is undoubtably one of the biggest holidays and traditions for most.
However as its been said before, it doesn’t have to be all bad.
If we have our immediate family under one roof – we can be thankful for housing and warmth.
If we have a Christmas tree, and a couple small things – we are fortunate that we are able to provide and give to others.
If we have food on our table at all – we are lucky that we don’t go to sleep hungry.
And while we may not be able to gather and celebrate, we can even find new ways to do that as well.
While we prepare for the holidays with those exceptionally close to us, we can potentially start some new traditions.
Since we probably aren’t headed to the store as often, or spending as much – we can take the opportunity to make our own decorations, or find more purpose and meaning in the ones we already have.
Our homes have become schools, work places, and playgrounds to some extent so why not decorate and trim up every corner so we can make the most of it.
Decorate every branch of the Christmas tree with decorations of old, and spend some quarantine time making some new ones.
If you have kids, have a craft day and make yourself a new set, or make decorations for your neighbours – it may just brighten their day.
Expand this creative streak and make gifts for others. Homemade gifts don’t have to be fancy, or expensive – but there is power in the thoughtfulness and kindness that something homemade provides.
Not being able to make a huge family feast for an extended family means you can potentially each pick your favourite part of Christmas dinner and elaborate on that.
While you may not be able to focus your cooking on others, there is joy in cooking for yourself.
Traditions can still be kept, revised, or made.
Its up to us to make things better.
If we learn to embrace these changes, as off putting as they may be – we will come out stronger and happier.
And for those of facing a big change this week in joining the heroes on the front lines – we’ve got this.
Our family is expanding and our responsibilities are growing.
A new season is upon us but there is hope, light, and joy to be found in all things.
Sometimes we have to dig a little deeper than other days, but we have the power, and know that there is always support.
Guest Blogger Rayna Davies
Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management. She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security. Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and experienced many security details. These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities. She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration. Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent.